Even as the issue of who is the authentic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese is yet to be settled, more disturbing scenarios have continued to be a recurring decimal in the Catholic Diocese of Mbaise land.
These time, the parish priest of St Patrick Catholic Church, Akpodim, one Rev Fr Emma Iregbu is locked in war of supremacy with some of the parishioners over issues said to be related with money and funding of the church.
Trumpeta learnt that the climax of raging acrimony which has lasted for sometime was on Sunday where three casualties were recorded after the group said to be loyal to the priest and the other parishioners clashed in the church premises.
Trumpeta learnt that the parishioners had for months pleaded with the authorities to replace the priest over lingering differences bothering on fund and money of the church until it resulted to a full blown war and fisticuffs in the church premises. Suspected thugs said to be working for some sympathizers of the priest engaged in free-for-all with some of the youths and other church members. Three casualties were recorded before the arrival of people from nearby Pentecostal churches who rushed in to separate the flying punches coming from both.
Our investigations revealed that the priest and the chairman of Parish Council were accused by others of keeping other council members in the dark about affairs of the church thereby fueling bad blood among the church members.
The fracas is threatening the entire Akpodim community who are appealing to the state government to send security personal ahead the church’s 32nd year anniversary scheduled for coming Sunday in the town to avoid further casualties during celebration.
A parishioner who spoke to Trumpeta on condition of anonymity opined that the spirit of God has departed from the Church adding that the lay faithful is hoping on the leaders of the Church at the Diocesan level to step into the matter
When contacted, the cleric declined comments stating that he cannot say anything since the matter is being looked into by the hierarchy of the church. Fr Iregbu said” I have no comment. I can’t say anything, because it is being looked into by the church”
